California defines “special education” as: (1) specifically designed instruction; (2) at no cost to parents; (3) to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability. This includes instruction conducted in the classroom, home, hospitals and institutions, and other settings, and instruction in physical education.
“Special designed instruction” means adapting (as appropriate to the needs of the student) the content, methodology, or delivery of instruction to address the unique needs of the child that results from the child’s disabilities and ensure the child’s access to the general curriculum, so that the child can meet the educational standards that apply to all children. (34 CFR § 300.39).